Coin counter



E. T. MAHONEY ETAL 3,229,076

COIN COUNTER Jan. 11, 1966 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 18, 1959 f 9 3-3: 1 77/ :I; 514 r INVENTORS.

EUGENE 7.' MAHONEY 8 HARVEY B. GUNN OR/VEY 1966 E. T. MAHONEY ETAL 3,

COIN COUNTER Filed Nov. 18, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS. EUGENE 7.' MAHO/VEY 8 HARVEY B. GUN/V A T TORNE' Y Wh z M Jan. 11, 1966 E. T. MAHONEY ETAL 3,229,076

COIN COUNTER Filed Nov. 18, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS. EUGENE 7f MAHONEY 8 HARVEY B. GUNN TORNE Y 1966 E. T. MAHONEY ETAL 3,229,076

COIN COUNTER Filed Nov. 18, 1959 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 F] -EA IN VE N TORS. EUGENE 7. MAHONEY 8 HARVEY B. GUN/V VMX W A T TORNE Y Jan. 11, 1966 Filed Nov. 18, 1959 E. T. MAHONEY ETAL COIN COUNTER 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,229,076 COIN COUNTER Eugene T. Mahoney, Chicago, and Harvey 13. Gunn, Western Springs, 111., assignors to Johnson Fare Box Company, Chicago, 11]., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 18, 1959, Ser. No. 853,746 4 Claims. (Cl. 235--92) This invention relates to a coin counter, and more particularly it relates to a coin counter which will give a totalized recording through the medium of one single impulse per coin, including all denominations.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of an electrical mechanical coin counter that will give an electrical impulse to the proper denomination counter, which is determined by the diameter of the coin.

Another object of the invention is to provide accumulating means preferably stepping switches which will store the impulses by advancing its operating arm one position and will return to the zero position after a predetermined number of impulses have been stored.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means for giving a monetary audit after a batch of coins has been processed through the coin counter machine.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a warning signal when the coin machine is jammed.

A salient object of the invention is to provide means to reset the entire counting mechanism and the totalizing register to zero position after processing a batch of coins.

In order to understand clearly the matter of the invention and the best means for carrying it out, reference may now be had to the drawings in which like numerals denote similar parts throughout the several views.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the coin counter with parts of the housing removed;

FIGURE 2 is a detail view illustrating a coin passing over the stationary guide member and contacting the pivot control means;

FIGURE 3 is a detail view similar to FIGURE 2 with the guide plate open;

FIGURE 4 is a rear elevational view of the coin counter illustrated in FIGURE 1 with portions of the housing removed;

FIGURE 5A is a top plan view of the coin counter shown in FIGURE 5B;

FIGURE 5B is a detail sectional view illustrating the selector mechanism;

FIGURE 6 is a detail view illustrating the structure of the cam operated switch;

FIGURES 7A, 7B and 7C are the schematic circuit diagrams for the coin counter.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the reference numeral 11 designates the basic coin counter unit which is provided with a coin receiver or container 13 having a rotatable disc or pickup plate 15 mounted on a drive shaft 17. Near the periphery of the disc 15 is a ledge 19 which forms a coin pocket 20. On the outer of the ledge is a plurality of spaced lugs or stops 21. As the disc rotates the coins take a position on the ledge and are carried upwardly out of the receiver one at a time upon the lugs 21.

The reference numeral 23 designates a guide plate pivoted on a fixed support 25, by a pin 27 extending through a bore (not shown). The guide plate is provided with a stationary guide plate 29 having a cam surface 31 for receiving the coin 33. The guide plate is secured to the frame 35 by a pivoted latch 37, having a handle 39 for pivoting the latch around pin 41, and is secured thereon by a spring connector 43.

3,229,076 Patented Jan. 11, 1966 ice A pair of control levers 45 and 46 are pivoted on a support 47 by shafts 49 and 51 respectively. The levers are connected at one end by a block shaped member 53 having rounded edge portion 55. The control levers are held in their normal position by spring 57 connected at one end to a support plate 59 and at the other end by a wire hook member 61, which is attached to a cross member 63.

As the coins are carried across the top of the disc they are forced into the stationary guide member 29 actuating the block member 53 a distance in proportion to the diameter of the coin. The coin then travels through guide slot 65 to a conventional sorter device 67 such as disclosed in the Jorgensen Patent 2,423,502.

The disc 15 is provided with a number of baffies 69, and a cup shaped shield 71 is mounted on the right hand side of the frame 35 by screws 73. The shield serves to prevent coins from being thrown out of the hopper as the disc is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. The reference numeral 72 designates a pair of coin knock-off pawls which are used for seating the coin into the coin pocket 20 and to knock off extra coins that may bridge in the coin pocket. The pawls are pivotally mounted on the frame by the pins 74 and are held in their normal position by a small spring (not shown).

A switch 75 is mounted on the front of the housing 77 and is adapted to be moved in three positions, which will be discussed subsequently. The push button switch 79 is disposed in the power supply for starting and stopping the driven motor 81. A pilot light 83 is mounted on the housing 77 to indicate electrical power to the motor. A jam warning light 85 is mounted on the support plate 59 to indicate to the operator a jammed condition of coins.

Referring to FIGURE 5B, the reference numeral 87 designates the selector mechanism, including the selector arm 89 having an inturned portion or tip 91 for contact with a number of conductor plates 93, 95, 97, 99 and 101. The position of the selector arm 89 is determined by the diameter of the coin as it is being forced over cam surface 31 and under member 53. The conductor plates are mounted on an insulating member 103, and spaced from one another by air gaps 105. The insulating plate or member 103 is mounted on a plate 107 which is mounted on the frame 35. The numeral 109 designates a guide or support for the arm 89. If desired the arm 89 may be modified in the form of a yoke (not shown), which will contact the conductor plates on both sides. The selector arm 89 is mounted on an insulating block 111, which is mounted on the pivoting mechanism 113 by screws 115. A flexible conducting arm 117 provided with contacts 119 against the arm 89 at a center of rotation which is mounted on a support plate 121.

Electric motor 81 is mounted on the frame and drives a belt 123, which rotates a shaft connected to a speed reducing gear set 127, which in turn drives a set of gears 129 fixed to the hub. The details of the speed reducing gear set and final gear are conventional and not shown. Reference may be had to Patent Number 2,750,949 which shows the conventional gear arrangement. A knob 131 is mounted on the shaft 125 so that the shift may be manually rotated in the event the coin counting mechanism becomes jammed.

Referring to FIG. 6, the cam operated switch 133 is mounted on an insulating member 135. The insulating member 135 is connected to the frame by a mounting bracket 137 which positions the insulating member so that the shaft 125 passes through a center opening (not shown) in the insulating member. The contact points 139 and 141 are attached to their holding brackets 143 and 145 respectively, which in turn are attached to the insulating member 135. The bracket 145 is rigidly positioned relative to the insulating member 135 by means of screw 147. The contact point 139 is attached to bracket 143 which pivots around a stud shaft 149. On the underside of the bracket 143 is an insulating member 151 which bears against the cam 153. Also attached to the bracket 143 is a spring 156 which effectively forces the insulating member 151 toward the cam 153. The cam 153 has a flat portion A, O, C, and a round portion B. When the cam sections A, B, C bears against the insulating member 151 the contact points 139 and 141 are held apart so that no electrical contact exists between them. When the cam rotates so that the section CDA is below the insulating member 151, the bracket 143 drops to a posi tion such that the contact 139 bears against contact 141 thus making electrical contact.

The rotation of the cam 153 is synchronized with the number of the coins through the channel between parts 31 and 53 so that the contact points 139 and 141 will close and open while the selector arm 89 is in a proper position, which is predetermined by the diameter of the coin.

Briefly summarizing, the mechanical operation of this invention it is apparent that as a coin is picked up by the ledge 19 and forced over the cam member 31, the block member 53 is moved in proportion to the diameter of the coin which in turn pivots the control levers 45 and 46 actuating the arm 89 of the selector mechanism 87 so that the tip 91 will make contact with the particular denominational plate. For example, if a nickel passes through the control means the selector arm 89 will make contact with the conductor plate 97. While in this position the synchronized motion of the cam switch 133 causes the contact points 139 and 141 to close to make and break contact.

Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, the reference numeral 155 designates the conventional DC power supply in which alternating current is rectified to deliver direct current. The positive terminal is designated 157 and the negative terminal as 159.

Reference numeral 161 designates one of many blocking rectifier units which will allow current to flow in the direction of the arrow but will not allow current to flow in the reverse direction.

For the purpose of this application it is assumed that the current direction as indicated will flow from the positive terminal 157 to the negative terminal 159. A voltage surge suppressor is provided having preferably a 15,000 ohm resistor 163 and a microfarad condenser 165 connected across the rectifier for the purpose of dissipating high voltage surges which conceivably might injure the rectifier. It is recognized that some current may flow in the reverse direction through the resistor 163, however, it is of insignificant value in this application.

The reference numeral 167 designates the solenoid coil and associated switch of one of several solenoid operated step switches. The energization of the circuit through the solenoid sets or conditions the switch so that when the circuit is broken the switch steps one position forward. The associated switch automatically performs the switch action when the switch is in its closed position and forms a part of the solenoid circuit.

The resistor 169 and condenser 171 forms a conventional arc suppressing circuit which protects the contact points of the associated switch from excessive arcing.

The reference numeral 173 designates one of several contact banks, one or more of which forms a part of the solenoid operated switches 167. The contact arm 175 moves forward one position when the flow of current through the solenoid coil 167 is interrupted. After the switch 173 has stepped to its 10th position it is stepped through an idle position back to the number 1 starting position. This is accomplished through a contact bank of which reference numeral 177 is illustrative.

The contact bank 177 contains 11 contacts and each stepping switch 173 contains at least one of such contact banks which function to control the number of current pulses through its associated switch 179 to bring the stepping switch into a predetermined position and to step the switch through its idle position.

The reference numeral 181 designates the coil of a conventional electromechanical counter which moves its dial one position from making and breaking the circuit through the coil.

The reference numeral 183 designates a conventional electromechanical counter which moves its dial one position from making and breaking the circuit through its coil to register the number of dollars, in monetary value, the machine has counted. A resetsolenoid 185 is incorporated in this counter. When the circuit is closed allowing current to flow through the solenoid 185 and the circuit is then broken the counter resets all indicating dials to their zero position.

The reference numeral 187 designates an illuminating device which indicates the number of cents in addition to the number of dollars the machine has counted. It is composed of two electronic tubes 189 and 191, each of which is capable of displaying an illuminous numeral of zero through 9. The particular numeral displayed is dependent upon which of the cathodes is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply 193. The anode of each tube is connected through a dropping resistor or 197 to the positive terminal of the power supply 193. The tube 189 indicates the 10ths digit and tube 191 indicates the ones digit.

The dollar register 183 and the cents indicating tubes 189 and 191 are associated in one housing with the dollar register to the left of the indicating tubes.

The power supply 193 represents a conventional D.C. power supply in which alternating current is rectified to produce direct current. The positive terminal is designated as 199 and the negative terminal as 201.

The solenoid operated switch 203 is provided with switch contacts 205, 207 and 209 which functions to deliver to the totalizing register the total of 25 in the event a 25 coin may be recorded in storage.

The solenoid operated switch 211 is provided with switch contacts designated as 213, 215, 217 and 219. The function of this switch is to reset all solenoid stepping switches to a zero position, which results in the totalizing register returning the cents indicating tubes to zero.

The manually operated triple position switch 75 has five contacts designated as 221, 223, 225, 227 and 229'. The switch 75 has three primary functions which are described as follows: When the switch is placed in its normal center position it energizes the motor 81 to rotate the coin pickup disc 15. In its down position it causes the mechanism to operate in such a manner that the total monetary value of the coins registered will be registered on the totalizer register. In its normal up position it will cause all the solenoid switches in the totalizer register to return to their zero position.

The register 231 and capacitor 233 serve to feed a current pulse to the dollar register 183 and each alternate step of the half dollar solenoid stepping switch 235.

The cam motor 237 and a rotary switch 239 cooperate with the switch 75 and solenoid operated switch 241 in such a manner as to deliver to the totalizing register the monetary value of 25 in the event a 25 coin is recorded in storage.

OPERATION The numerals 243 and 245 designate conventional alternating current power supply mains. In order to start the processing of coins through the machine the switch 79 is closed and the switch 75 is moved to its center position.

Power supply circuit One side of the DC power supply 155 is connected to the main 243 through line 247, fuse 249, line 251 and switch 79. The other side of the DC. power supply 5. unit is connected to the main 245 through line 253. The on-light 83 is connected to the line 247 by the line 255. The on-light 83 is connected to the main power supply 243 through lines 255, 247 and 251. The other side of the light 83 is connected to the power supply line 245 through line 257, resistor 259, line 261 and line 253.

Head motor circuit The motor 81 is connected to the main 243 through line 263, closed switch contact 223, line 265 and line 251. The other side of the motor circuit is connected to the main 245, through line 267.

Dime count circuit Assume a dime is mechanically positioned between members 31 and 53 as shown in FIG. 2. The selector arm 89 is in contact with the plate 93 as illustrated in FIG. A. While in this position the contacts 139 and 141 of the cam switch 133 will close (FIG. 6).

With this condition prevailing, one side of the dime counter 269 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the DC. power supply 155 through lines 271, 273, conductor plate 93, selector arm 89, line 175, closed cam switch 133, line 277, relay switch 205, line 279, and line 281. The other side of the dime counter 269 is connected to the negative terminal 159 or the DC. power supply 155 through line 283 and line 285, rectifier 287, line 289 and line 291.

Also while this condition prevails, the dime solenoid switch mechanism 293 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 295, rectifier 297, line 273, conductor plate 93, selector arm 89, line 275, closed cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281.

The other side of the dime solenoid switch 293 is connected to the negative terminal 159 through line 292, and line 291.

Also, while this condition prevails the contact arm 175 of each of the dime contact banks 299, 301, 303 and 305 of the solenoid operated switch 293 will remain in its top zero position.

While the selector arm 89 is still in contact with conductor plate 93, the cam switch 133 opens thereby breaking the circuit to counter 269. Thus counter 269 completes one cycle and moves its register forward one digit.

The opening of a circuit of the cam switch 133 also opens the circuit to the solenoid operated switch 293. When this occurs all the contact arms 175 move forward one position on the banks 299, 301, 303 and 305.

Now assume that four dimes have been processed through the machine, the four contact arms 175 will now be positioned on the fifth contact. If now a fifth dime is processed another circuit is completed through the half dollar solenoid stepping switch 307. One side of this solenoid switch is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through the contact arm 309, line 311, rectifier 313, line 315, contact arm 175 of the dime bank 299, line 317, line 295, rectifier 297, line 273, conductor plate 93, selector arm 89, line 275, closed cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. The other side of the half dollar solenoid step switch 307 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 319 and line 291.

Again when the cam switch 133 opens the contact arms 175 of the dime contact banks 299, 301, 303 and 305 and the contact arms 309 on the half dollar contact banks 321, 323, 325 and 327 move forward one position. An identical sequence of solenoid switch movement occurs when the contact arms 175 of the dime banks are on the 10th contact and a dime is processed through the machine. Thus it is obvious to a skilled mechanic that when a total of five dimes have been processed through the counting machine the half dollar contact arms 309 will have been moved one position forward.

Nickel count circuit Now assume that a nickel is positioned between the parts 31 and 53, the selector arm 89 will be moved by the control lever 46 and contact with the plate 97 and the cam switch 133 will close.

While in this position one side of the nickel counter 329 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 331, line 333, contact plate 97, selector arm 89, line 275, closed cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. The other side of the nickel counter 329 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 335, line 285, rectifier 287, line 289 and line 291.

The nickel solenoid switch mechanism 337 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 339, rectifier 341, line 333, conductor plate 97, selector arm 89, line 275, closed cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. The other side of the solenoid switch 337 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 343, and line 291.

While this circuit condition prevails the contact arm 345 of the nickel contact banks 347, 349 and 351 of the solenoid operated switch 337 will remain in its top or zero position. When the cam switch 133 opens, the contact arm 345 will move forward one position to the next contact. If we now assume that a second nickel is processed through the machine another circuit will be completed through the dime solenoid operated switch 293. One side of the switch 293 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 295, rectifier 353, contact arm 345 of the nickel contact bank 347, line 355, line 339, rectifier 341, line 333, conductor plate 97, selector arm 89, cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279, and line 281. Therefore, in addition to the count registered by the counter 329, and the step taken by the switch 337, switch 293 will also step one position forward. This action will take place when the contact arm 345 is positioned on contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 of the nickel contact banks.

Therefore it may be seen that for each increment of two nickels the dime solenoid operated switch 293 advances one position.

Should the contact arm 175 of the dime contact bank be positioned on the fifth or tenth contact, and the nickel contact arm 345 of the nickel bank positioned on contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 and another nickel be processed through the machine, another circuit is completed through the half dollar solenoid switch 167. One side of the switch 167 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through contact bank 321, arm 309, line 311, recti fier 313, line 315, dime contact bank 299, dime contact arm 175, line 317, line 295, rectifier 353, nickel contact bank 347, arm 345, line 355, line 339, rectifier 341, line 333, conductor plate 97, selector arm 89, cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279, and line 281. The opening and closing of the cam switch 133 will therefore cause the half dollar banks to move forward one position to the next contact.

Penny count circuit Now assume that a penny is being processed through the counting machine and is disposed between the members 31 and 53 so that selector arm 89 is positioned on the conductor plate during the time the cam switch 133 closes and opens. This will cause the penny counter 357 to register one digit and the penny solenoid operated switch 359 to step one position forward in a manner similar to that described for the dime and nickel processing.

While the cam switch 133 is closed one side of the penny counter 357 will be connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 361, line 363, conductor plate 95, selector arm 89, line 275, closed cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279, and line 281. The other side of the penny counter 357 i connected to the 7 negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 365, line 285, rectifier 287, line 289, and line 291.

One side of the solenoid operated stepping switch 359 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 367, rectifier 369, line 363, conductor plate 95, selector arm 89, cam operated switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. The other side of the solenoid operated stepping switch 359 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 371 and line 291. After four pennies have been processed through the machine the contact arm 373 of the penny bank 375, will be positioned on the fifth contact. Should the fifth penny now be processed through the machine a circuit through the nickel solenoid operated switch 337 will be energized. One side of the switch 337 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 339, rectifier 377, contact bank 375, contact arm 373, line 367, rectifier 369, line 363, conductor plate 95, selector arm 89, closed cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281.

It is obvious that the nickel solenoid operated switch 337 will step its contact arm one position forward when the cam switch 133 closes and opens. A similar action occurs when the contact arm 373 is positioned on the tenth contact member.

Therefore, it may be seen that for each increment of five pennies counted by the machine the nickel solenoid operated switch 337 advances its contact arm 345 one position forward.

In the event the contact arm 373 of the penny bank is positioned on the fifth or tenth contact, and the nickel contact arm 345 is located on contact 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 and an additional penny be processed through the machine a circuit through the dime solenoid operated switch 293 would be energized. One side of the dime solenoid switch 293 would be connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 295, rectifier 353, contact arm 345, line 355, rectifier 377, contact arm 373, line 367, rectifier 369, line 363, conductor plate 95, selector arm 89, line 275, closed cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281.

In the event the contact arm 373 is located on the contact or and the contact arm 345 is located on any one of the contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 of the nickel bank, and the contact arm 175 is located on the 5th or 10th contact of the dime bank, a circuit is energized through the half dollar solenoid stepping switch 307. One side of the switch 307 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through the half dollar contact bank 321, line 311, rectifier 313, line 315, dime contact bank 229, line 317, line 295, rectifier 353, nickel contact bank 347, line 355, line 339, rectifier 377, penny contact bank 375, line 367, rectifier 369, line 363, penny conductor plate 95, selector arm 89, line 275, cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281.

From the foregoing circuit description it may be seen that whenever a monetary value of 50 in pennies, or nickels, or dimes, or any combination of these coins has been processed through the machine, the half dollar solenoid operated switch 167 will advance its contact arm one position forward. One of the salient features of this invention may be seen in'that this accumulating process is accomplished by a series of single point pulses which are initiated by the closing and opening of the cam switch 133.

Quarter count circuits Now assume that a quarter is being processed through the counting machine and is positioned between the members 31 and 53 so that the selector arm 89 is in contact with the conductor plate 99 while the cam switch 133 closes and opens. While the cam switch 133 is closed, one side of the quarter counter 397 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 381, line 383, conductor plate 99, selector arm 89, line 275, cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279, and line 281. The other side of the quarter counter 379 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through lines 385, line 285, rectifier 287, line 289 and line 291.

One side of the quarter solenoid operated stepping switch 387 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 389, rectifier 391, line 383, contact plate 99, selector arm 89, line 275, cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. The other side of the quarter solenoid switch 387 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 393 and line 291.

When the cam switch 133 opens, both circuits are broken and the quarter counter 379 registers one digit and the solenoid operated switch 387 steps its contact arm 395 forward one position.

In the event the contact arm 395 be located on the contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 in the quarter bank and an additional quarter is processed through the counting machine a circuit through the half dollar solenoid operated stepping switch 307 will be energized. One side of the half dollar solenoid operated stepping switch 307 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through the half dollar contact bank 321, contact arm 309, line 311, line 397, rectifier 399, switch 209, quarter bank 401, contact arm 395, line 389, rectifier 391, line 383, conductor plate 99, selector arm 89, line 275, cam switch 133, line 2.7-7, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. It may be seen from the above description that for each increment of two quarters processed "by the machine the half dollar solenoid operated switch 307 advances its contact arm 309 one position forward.

Half dollar count circuits Now assume that a half dollar coin is being processed through the counting machine and is disposed bet-ween members 31 and 53 so that selector arm 89 is in contact with the conductor plate 101 and the cam switch 133 closes and opens. While the cam switch 133 is closed one side of the half dollar counter 403 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 405, line 407, conductor plate 101, selector arm 89, line 275, cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. The other side of the half dollar counter 403 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 285, rectifier 287, line 289 and line 291.

One side of the half dollar solenoid stepping switch 307 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through the half dollar contact bank 321, contact arm 309, line 311, line 397, rectifier 409, line 407, conductor plate 101, selector arm 89, line 275, cam switch 133, line 277, switch 205, line 279 and line 281. When the cam switch 133 opens both circuits are broken and the half dollar counter 403 registers one digit, and the solenoid operated switch 307 advances its contact arm 309 one position forward.

Referring now to the circuits associated with the half dollar contact bank 327, it may be seen that when the contact arm 309 of the half dollar bank is positioned on contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 one side of the capacitor 233 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 411, resistor 231, preferably 33 ohms, line 413 and line 281. The other side of the capacitor 233 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 415, contact arm 309, half dollar bank 327, line 417 and line 291. Capacitor 233 therefore receives a charge under this condition.

Assume that the half dollar solenoid stepping switch 307 steps its contact arm 309 one position forward, the charged capacitor 233 forms a power source of a circuit through the dollar register 283. For example, assume the contact arm 309 of the half dollar bank 327 would be positioned and contact 1, the capacitor 233 then receives a charge. When the contact arm 309 is advanced to contact position number 2 one side of the dollar register 183 is connected to the positive plate of the capacitor through line 479, line 281, line 413, resistor 231, and line 411. The other side of the dollar register is connected to the negative plate of the capacitor 233 through line 421, half dollar contact bank 327, contact arm 309 and line 415. The capacitor 233 therefore discharges its charge to the dollar register 183 causing it to advance its counter one digit.

From the above description it may be seen that for each increment of two steps of the half dollar solenoid stepping switch 307, the dollar register 133 will have advanced one digit.

Monetary audit condition after a batch of coins has been processed throughv the counting machine At the close of a coin batch count the counters 357, 329, 269, 379 and 403 will register the total number of pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and half dollars that have been processed through the machine.

From the preceding circuit description it has been shown that for each increment of pennies that have been processed or counted, the nickel solenoid operated switch 337 has been stepped forward one position; therefore, the number of pennies whose monetary value has not been converted into monetary value in terms of nickels may vary in value from a minimum of zero to a maximum of $.04.

Similarly each increment of two steps of the nickel solenoid operated stepping switch 337 will advance the dime stepping switch 293 one position forward; therefore the monetary value received by the nickel stepping switch 337 which has not been converted into monetary value in the terms of dimes may be zero or $.05.

Similarly each increment of five steps of the dime stepping switch 293 will advance the half dollar stepping switch 307 one position forward; therefore the monetary value received by the dime stepping switch 293 which has not been converted into monetary value in terms of half dollars may be 10, 20, 30 or 40.

Also, each increment of two steps of the quarter stepping switch 387 will cause the half dollar stepping switch 307 to advance one position forward; therefore, the monetary value received by the quarter switch 387 which has not been converted into monetary value in terms of half dollars may be Zero or 25.

Also, each increment of two steps of the half dollar stepping switch 307 operates the dollar register 183 to advance one position forward; therefore, the monetary value received by the half dollar stepping switch 307 which has not been converted into monetary value in terms of dollars may be zero or 50.

From the above analysis it is determined that the maximum monetary value which has not been converted into dollars may be $1.24.

Read out operation The switch 75 is manually moved to the down position moving the switch arm 221 to contact 423, and switch arm 223 to contact 425, and switch arm 225 to contact 427, and switch arm 227 to contact 429, and switch arm 229 to contact 431. When the switch 75 is moved to the down position the circuit to the head motor 81 is broken and the power supply 193 for the cents indicating tubes 189 and 191 is connected to the main power supply to exhibit the monetary value of the cents in excess of the dollar monetary value that has been processed. If a 25 value is retained by the quarter stepping bank an action is initiated which will cause the dime stepping switch to advance two positions, the nickel stepping switch one position, and the quarter stepping switch one position. This action reduces the maximum monetary value which has not been converted to dollars to 99.

Stored quarter conversion One side of the solenoid operated switch 203 is connected to the main 243, through line 433, contact 425,

10 and switch arm 223, line 265 and line 251. The other side of the solenoid switch 203 is connected to the main 245, through line 435.

The energization of this solenoid causes its switch contacts 207 to close, and the switch arm of 205 to move to contact 437 and causes switch 209 to open.

If the contact arm 395 of the quarter bank 439 is positioned on contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10, which is the case if a quarter is in storage, one side of cam motor 237 is connected to the main 251, through line 441, contact 439, switch 207, line 443, and line 265. The other side of the cam motor 237 is connected to the main 245 through line 445.

The motor rotates, which in turn rotates the rotary switch 239. When the contact arm 447 of the rotary switch 239 makes contact with the second contact the dime solenoid operated switch 293 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 295, line 449, rotary switch 239, line 451, and line 281.

When the contact arm 447 of the rotary switch 239 leaves the second contact the circuit through the solenoid operated switch 293 is opened and the switch advances one position forward. An identical action occurs as the rotary switch contact arm 447 makes and breaks contact with a third contact of the rotary switch.

When the contact arm 447 of the rotary switch 239 makes contact with the fourth contact of the rotary switch the nickel solenoid operated switch 337 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 339, line 453, contact bank 239, line 451,'and line 281. When the contact arm 447 of the rotary switch 239 leaves the fourth contact, the circuit through the nickel stepping switch 337 is opened and the switch advances its contact arm one position forward.

When the contact arm 447 of the rotary switch 239 reaches the fifth contact, one side of the solenoid operated stepping switch 387 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 389, line 455, rotary switch 239, line 451, and line 281. It should be noted that one side of the half dollar solenoid operated stepping switch 307 is prevented from becoming connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply by the open position of the switch 209. When the contact arm 447 of the rotary switch 239 leaves the fifth contact, the circuit is broken and the quarter stepping switch advances forward one position.

Now that the contact arm 395 of the quarter contact bank 439 has been moved on or from any one of the contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 to the succeeding contacts 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, the circuit through the cam motor 237 has been broken and the motor stops. Also the contact arm 395 of the quarter contact bank 439 has moved from the contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 which represents a quarter in storage to the succeeding contacts 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 which represents zero quarters in storage.

Therefore, the objective of reducing the maximum possible monetary value which has not been converted into dollars to a value less than $1.00 has been accomplished.

It should also be noted that if no quarter is in storage the contact arm 395 of the quarter bank 439 will be positioned on the contacts 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 and no circuit exists through the cam motor 237, hence no stored quarter conversion takes place.

Cents display circuiting One side of the power supply 193 is connected to the alternating current main 251 through line 457 and switch 221. The other side of the power supply 193 is connected to the other alternating current power main 245 through line 459. Therefore, this power supply delivers direct current voltage with 199 its positive terminal and 201 its negative terminal.

Referring now to lines emanating from the dime contact bank 303, dime contact bank 305, penny contact bank 461 and penny contact bank 463; also to the lines emanating 111 from the cathode of the indicating tubes 189 and 191, all numbered lines emanating from tube 191 are a continuation of the lines with corresponding numbers that emanate from the contact banks 461 and 463. To such groups of numbers, for example, numbers 1 and 7 are connected for illustration, and the lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 are not shown on the drawings. A similar relationship exists for the lines emanating from the dime banks 303 and 305 and the tube 189. a

With the power supply 193 energized, the digit which will be displayed by the units indicating tube 191 will depend upon the position of the contact arms 373 on the penny banks 461 and 463, and the position of the contact arm 345 of the nickel bank 351.

The contact arm 345 of the nickel bank 351 has two significant positions. It the contact arm 345 is on the contacts 1, 3, 4, 7 or 9 then all 5 cent values received by the nickel stepping switch have been converted into dime values. If the contact arm 345 is on the contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 then there exists a 5 value that has not been converted.

The contact arms 373 of the penny banks 461 and 463 have five significant positions. If the contact arm is in position or no cent values have been accumulated which have not been converted into nickel values. If the contact arm is in position 1 or 6, 2 or 7, 3 or 8, 4 or 9, there exists a value of 1, 2, 3 or 4 cents respectively that has not been converted. Let us assume that there is a stored value of 3 and no nickels, then the contact arm 345 of the nickel bank 351 will be in a position on contacts 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 and the contact arms 373 of the penny banks 461 and 463 will be in position 3 or 8. The number 3 cathode of the indicating tube 191 will be connected to the negative terminal of the power supply 193 through a line connecting the number 3 cathode to the number 3 position of the penny bank 463 (not shown), contact bank 463, line 465, nickel contact bank 351, line 367 and line 369. The anode of the indicating tube 191 is connected to the positive terminal 199 of the power supply 193, through line 467, resistor 197, line 469 and line 471.

Now assume that the contact arm 345 of the nickel bank 351 is positioned on one of the contacts 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 indicating an additional 5 in storage and the contact arms 373 of the penny banks 461 and 463 are in position 3 or 8 as before. Now the 8 cathode of the indicating tube 191 will be connected to the negative terminal 201 of the power supply 193 through a line connecting the 8 cathode with the number 8 of the penny bank 461, line 473, nickle contact bank 351, line 345 and line 369. The cathode numeral 8 will now be luminous.

Therefore it may be seen that any stored monetary values less than 10 will be displayed in the tube 191.

With the power supply 193 energized, the digit which will be displayed by the tens tube 189 will depend upon the position of the contact arms 175 of the dime banks .303 and 305, and the position of the contact arm 309 o the half dollar bank 325.

v The contact arm 309 of the half dollar bank 325 has two significant positions, the even numbered position and the odd numbered position. If in an even numbered position there is no half dollar value which has not been converted. If in an odd numbered position there is a 50 value which has not been converted.

The contact arms 175 of the dime banks 303 and 305 have 5 significant positions. If in position 1 or 6, 2 or 7, 3 or 8, or 4 or 9, values of 10, 20, 30 or 40 respectively have not been converted.

For example, assume that a 50 value and a 10 value have not been converted, the contactarm 309 of the half dollar bank 325v will be in an odd numbered position and the contact arms 175 of the dime banks 303 and 305 will be in position 1 or 6. Cathode 6 of the tube 189 will be connected to the negative terminal 201 of the power supply 193 through a line connecting the cathode 6 to the number- 6 of the dime bank 303 (not shown); dime bank 303, line 475, half dollar contact bank 325, and line 369. The anode of the indicating tube 189 is connected to the positive terminal 199 of the power supply 193, through line 477, resistor 195, line 471.

Therefore in the totalizing register, which consists of the electromagnetic dollar register 183 and the two indicating tubes 189 and 191 the total monetary value of the coins processed through the counting machine will be displayed.

Jam condition If during the processing of coins a jam occurs in the coin mechanism the operator will place the switch in its down position opening the switch 223 so that the circuit to the head motor 81 is broken. Should a coin be so located that the cam switch 133 is closed when the motor stops the operator should be aware of this fact so as to account for a possible discrepancy in the total count registered by the counters. The glowing of the light 479 indicates that the cam switch 133 is closed.

Under this condition one side of the light 479 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 481 and line 281. The other side of the light 479 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 483, resistor 485, switch 205, line 277, cam switch 133, line 275, selector arm 89, through whichever of the conductor plates 93, 95, 97, 99 or 101, depending upon which coin is in the jam position. For purpose of discretion, assume that a dime is in the jam condition and the selector arm 89 is on conductor plate 93. From here two paths are available to the negative terminal 159, either or both of which are of sutficiently low electrical resistance to carry the small current required by the neon light without operating the solenoids through which the current passes. One path is from line 273, line 271, counter 269, line 283, line 285, rectifier 287, line 289 and line 291. The other path is from line 273, rectifier 297, line 295, dime solenoid 293, line 292, and line 291.

Reset operation In order to reset the entire counting mechanism and the totalizing register to zero condition, the manually operated switch 75 is held momentarily in its up position. The individual coin counters 269, 357, 329, 379 and 403 are not affected in this operation.

When the switch 75 is moved to the up position the switch arm 221 will move to contact 487; the switch arm 223 will move to contact 489; the switch arm 225 will move to contact 491; switch arm 227 will move to contact 493, and switch arm 229 will move to contact 495. The power supply 193 will again be energized through switch arm 221 and contact 487; the switch arm 223 transfers to a position of no contact and restores the solenoid operating switch 203 and its associated contacts 205, 207 and 209 to their normal position.

With the switch arm 225 positioned on contact 491, one side of the dollar register reset solenoid is connected to the postive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 497, switch 225, and line 281. The other side of the solenoid 185 is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 499, and line 291. The solenoid efiectively resets all dollar register dials to 0.

One side of the solenoid operated switch 211 is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through line 501, switch 225, and line 281. The other side of the solenoid is connected to the negative terminal 159 or the power supply through line 503 and line 291.

With the switch 227 on contact 493 the dollar register operating solenoid 183 is etfectively short circuited. One side of this solenoid is connected to the other side through line 417, line 281, line 505, switch 227, line 507 and line 421. This will prevent the dollar register from operating should the contact arm 309 be caused to move during the reset operation.

With the switch arm 229 on the contact 495 each of several positions of the contact arm 397 of the quarter contact bank 509 Will result in a circuit through the solenoid operated switch 167 and its associated switch 241. Should the contact arm 395 of the quarter bank 509 be in an odd numbered position one side of the solenoid is connected to the positive terminal 157 of the power supply through the switch 241, line 511, switch 229, line 513, quarter contact bank 509, line 515, line 517 and line 281. The other side of the solenoid is connected to the negative terminal 159 of the power supply through line 393 and line 291. The nature of the solenoid operated stepping switches is such that so long as the proper voltage is maintained across the circuit of the switch 241 and the solenoid 387, the switch will take forward steps rapidly. When this voltage is removed at the stepping, action ceases. Therefore, when the contact arm 395 of the quarter contact bank 509 reaches an even number position (with the exception of position which is the last contact member), the contact arm 395 will remain in that position. Since the even numbered positions, with the exception of the number 10 position which is the last contact member, are effectively zero positions, the quarter solenoid operated switch 387 will remain in a position that represents zero monetary value for this switch.

Energization of solenoid 211 causes its associated switches 213, 215, 217 and 219 to close. By the same action as experienced by the quarter solenoid operated switch 387, each of the other solenoid operated stepping switches will be stepped to an open position. Such a position would represent zero monetary value.

Position 10, which is the last contact member on the quarter bank 509, dime bank 177, penny bank 519, nickel bank 349 and half dollar bank 323 are for the purpose of completing all the solenoid operated stepping switches to self step past this position to zero position. It is obvious that if desired the 10th contact may be eliminated, in which case the switch steps directly from position of the 9th contact to the first contact which is position zero in completing its final of 10 contacts.

When the manually operated switch 75 is returned to its center position the totalizer register and solenoid operated stepping switches are in position to process, count and totalize the monetary value of another batch of coins.

Although we have described our invention with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for storing and totalizing electrical impulses initiated from coins of different denominations including a coin receiver, a control pivot means disposed in said receiver, said pivot means being responsive to the diameter of the coins, coin pickup means including a drive motor for moving the coins past the control means, the combination of a spaced conductor for each denomination of coins, selector means operable by the control means for contacting the proper conductor as determined by the diameter of the coin, a single lobe cam operated switch, said cam operated switch adapted to be operated by said drive motor and synchronized to close and open as the coin moves past the control means, a counter electrical circuit including the counter, said counter circuit adapted to be energized through the cam switch and selector means, said counter circuit including an accumulating electrical circuit means having a number of stepping switches connected so that their contact arms move forward one position by a single current pulse when the cam operated switch closes and opens, and power supply means for said circuits.

2. A subcombination comprising means for totalizing the monetary value of coins recorded by a number of dilterent denomination counters including means for initiating an audit electrical circuit which will operate at least two stepping switches to advance at least one position, said audit circuit including an indicating electrical circuit means having indicating tubes which will exhibit the monetary value of cents in excess of the dollar monetary value exhibited on the counters, and power supply means for said circuits.

3. A subcombination including a totaling register comprising means for totalizing the monetary value of coins recorded by a number of different denomination counters including means for initiating an audit electrical circuit for operating a number of stepping switches to advance a number of predetermined positions, said audit circuit including an indicating electrical circuit means having indicating tubes for exhibiting the monetary value of cents in excess of the dollar monetary value exhibited on the counters, means for resetting the totalizing register to zero position including a resetting electrical circuit, and power supply means for said circuits.

4. A method comprising the step of storing and totalizing electrical impulses representative of coins of lower and higher denominations, applying said electrical impulse to a counter for each coin being counted, accumulating electrical impulses from each coin on a stepping switch for advancing at least one of the higher denomination counters when a predetermined number of electrical impulses have been received.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,799,784 4/1931 Donnellan 235-32 2,423,502 7/1947 I'orgensen 235-32 2,523,516 9/1950 Potter 235- 2,649,947 8/1953 Nelsen 194-.2 2,804,266 8/1957 Dexter et al. 235-92 2,848,158 8/1958 Miller 235-32 2,881,975 4/1959 Bower 235-32 2,930,529 '3/ 1960 Laboissiere 235-92 3,016,191 1/1962 Buchholz et al. 235-92 3,018,038 1/1962 Grant et al. 235-32 3,018,469 1/1962 Grant et al. 235-32 MALCOLM A. MORRISON, Primary Examiner.

LEO SMILOW, WALTER W. BURNS, ]R., Examiners. 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR STORING AND TOTALIZING ELECTRICAL IMPULSES INITIATED FROM COINS OF DIFFERENT DENOMINATIONS INCLUDING A COIN RECEIVER, A CONTROL PIVOT MEANS DISPOSED IN SAID RECEIVER, SAID PIVOT MEANS BEING RESPONSIVE TO THE DIAMETER OF THE COINS, COIN PICKUP MEANS INCLUDING A DRIVE MOTOR FOR MOVING THE COINS PAST THE CONTROL MEANS, THE COMBINATION OF A SPACED CONDUCTOR FOR EACH DENOMINATION OF COINS, SELECTOR MEANS OPERABLE BY THE CONTROL MEANS FOR CONTACTING THE PROPER CONDUCTOR AS DETERMINED BY THE DIAMTER OF THE COIN, A SINGLE LOBE CAM OPERATED SWITCH, SAID CAM OPERATED SWITCH ADAPTED TO BE OPERATED BY SAID DRIVE MOTOR AND SYNCHRONIZED TO CLOSE AND OPEN AS THE COIN MOVES PAST THE CONTROL MEANS, A COUNTER ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT INCLUDING THE COUNTER, SAID COUNTER CIRCUIT ADAPTED TO BE ENERGIZED THROUGH THE CAM SWITCH AND SELECTOR MEANS, SAID COUNTER CIRCUIT INCLUDING AN ACCUMULATING ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MEANS HAVING A NUMBER OF STEPPING SWITCHES CONNECTED SO THAT THEIR CONTACT ARMS MOVE FORWARD ONE POSITION BY A SINGLE CURRENT PULSE WHEN THE CAM OPERATED SWITCH CLOSES AND OPENS, AND POWER SUPPLY MEANS FOR SAID CIRCUITS. 